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SHAVING & SHARP OBJECTS

Can a razor with blades go in carry-on?

It depends: a disposable razor or closed cartridge can go in US carry-on baggage, but a safety razor must have its removable blade taken out before screening. Put loose blades in checked baggage.

Source review: 2026-09-23

Source scope: US departures — TSA security screening for razor designs and blades

Carry-on baggage

Allowed with conditions

Disposable/cartridge: yes. Remove a safety razor blade.

Checked baggage

Allowed

All these razors: yes. Wrap exposed blades.

Razor with a protected head beside a separate removable blade
A closed cartridge and a removable blade are different at screening.

Choose by the razor's blade design

At US TSA screening, disposable and closed cartridge razors may go in carry-on. A safety razor handle may go in carry-on only after removing its blade. Loose or removable blades belong in checked baggage.

All these manual razors and blades may be checked. Sheath or securely wrap every exposed edge to protect baggage handlers and inspectors, and put spare blades in a rigid case. Check shaving liquids separately.

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USA: closed cartridges may go in carry-on; remove a safety razor blade. Check loose blades with every sharp edge protected.
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Razor with blades in the USA: carry-on with conditions, checked baggage allowed. Disposable and closed cartridge razors may go in carry-on. A safety razor handle must have its blade removed; loose or removable blades cannot go in carry-on. All these razors and blades may be checked with every exposed edge sheathed or securely wrapped. Pack spare blades in a rigid case.
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Find where the cutting edge sits

Use the head design to choose the right TSA entry before you pack.

  1. Disposable razor or cartridge razor

    The cutting edges stay enclosed in the disposable head or cartridge. TSA lists a disposable razor as allowed in carry-on and checked bags.

  2. Safety razor with a removable blade

    Remove the blade before the US security checkpoint. TSA allows the handle in carry-on without its blade; the fitted blade itself cannot pass.

  3. Loose replacement blades

    Razor-type blades outside a cartridge go in checked baggage. Sheath or securely wrap every sharp edge to protect baggage handlers and inspectors.

Cartridge, loose blade or straight razor?

Look at the head rather than the brand name. Disposable razors and fixed-cartridge systems keep their blades enclosed; TSA and GOV.UK allow these in carry-on and checked baggage. A safety razor with a removable blade must have that blade taken out before a US checkpoint. Pack loose blades and straight razors in checked baggage with the edge protected. TSA's item list distinguishes these designs.

A Gillette handle may take several kinds of cartridge. Check the actual head and any spare blades before packing; the logo alone cannot tell you which rule applies.

Electric razors and shaving products

Electric shavers have a different blade design from a straight razor. If yours uses a rechargeable battery, check the battery's rules as well, especially for loose spare batteries or a power bank. The claim that every electric shaver is limited to carry-on is too broad. See the battery guide for the power source.

Shaving gel, foam and beard oil are separate liquids or aerosols. A carry-on container must meet the liquid limit at the departure checkpoint; an aerosol may also have quantity and safety conditions. Read the liquids guide and the product label before packing them.

Before closing your wash bag

Fit the head cover and keep spare cartridges in a case so they cannot cut the bag lining. Keep a reusable razor handle separate from any removed loose blades. If a connection requires another security check, review that airport's rules as well. Acceptance at your first checkpoint does not guarantee the same decision at the next one.

US screening scope

This guidance applies to TSA screening when departing from the United States. Check shaving cream separately and use the security authority for your departure country when flying elsewhere. A TSA officer makes the final checkpoint decision. TSA treats blades enclosed in a cartridge differently from detachable safety-razor blades, which must be removed before the checkpoint.

What Can I Bring? Complete List — Disposable Razor, Razor-Type Blades and Safety Razor With Blades — Transportation Security Administration

A cartridge razor such as a Gillette Fusion keeps the cutting edges inside a replaceable head. Replacement razor heads and loose razor blades are distinct items, so check which parts are in your bag.

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